In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, The 1975 is facing a lawsuit following lead singer Matty Healy’s kiss with bandmate Ross MacDonald during a performance at the Good Vibes Festival last year. The kiss was part of Healy’s onstage protest against Malaysia’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws, resulting in the music festival being shut down. Homosexuality is considered a crime in Malaysia, punishable by imprisonment and caning.
The festival organizer, Future Sound Asia, has filed a lawsuit in the High Court in London seeking 1.9 million pounds ($2.5 million) for breach of contract and losses. The lawsuit names The 1975 Productions LLP and all four band members. The government of Malaysia criticized Healy’s actions, banned the band from the country, and canceled the festival, while some members of the LGBTQ+ community also condemned the act, stating it hindered ongoing activism efforts and jeopardized the community.
According to Future Sound Asia, The 1975 had been informed of performance guidelines, including restrictions on swearing, smoking, discussing politics and religion, or engaging in indecent behavior such as kissing. Despite prior concerns about Healy’s history of drug addiction, Malaysian authorities permitted the band to perform after assurances that all rules would be followed.
The band’s fee for the performance was $350,000, most of which had been paid. However, Future Sound Asia claims that The 1975’s actions constituted a deliberate violation of their contract. The band has not yet commented on the lawsuit, and previous attempts to seek compensation were unsuccessful.
The lawsuit was initiated after failed attempts to resolve the issue last year. The defendants are anticipated to submit their defense in September. Following the incident in Malaysia, The 1975 also canceled shows in Taiwan and Indonesia.
